Front axle clunking noise… Differential or CV joint?

[ALEV8]

I've had a grinding clunking noise coming from the front right corner for about two years that is intermittent. Experience tells me that the sound exactly like a thrashed CV joint. Bearing in mind the all-wheel-drive system, if the wheel is cut hard to the right or left on uneven pavement it sounds pretty bad. before diving into the stuff I wonder if the front differential could be an issue? This vehicle had a front differential replacement under warranty.

[clarksongli]

only reason i would say it isn't the front diff is because it happens only when turning.

 

the front diff is always spinning around.....regardless of turning

[Pkscheldt]

did the diff and both cv's on my original CTT, but it could also be the stepper motor....

 

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/45401-transfer-motor-replacement-stepper-motor/

[ALEV8]

This has to be a CV. Boot inspection reveals nada. Usually the boot goes first OR its an inner and not an outer?

[clarksongli]

i've had cvs go without a torn boot......lots of times the grease migrates and the joint runs dry.

[redzero]

^{inspect cv joints}

^{and to extend cv axel life some people will change the grease and new boots every 3 years specially dusty areas or rainy areas}

^{and some time cv axel just fail clunk or grind just like wheel bearing and other type off bearings}

^{you can get really good  used axels on ebay or junkyards  .    q7 and touareg axles should fit as well}

[ALEV8]

Seriously?

Do you know which year / model fit the 04 CTT?

I'd like to grab a spare set asap.

The sound is crunching, literally crunching.

That said ECS has them for 185$ versus a well used part for $60 less....

Edited November 25, 2014 by ALEV8

[Pkscheldt]

I had bad luck with an aftermarket CV, but great luck with remanufactured ones from A1Cardone - they are everywhere out there online - Cardone didn't sell them directly, but through many different outlets. I believe I paid 50$ each, had a core charge and was refunded the charge within a week. I found that for 2003-2010 the front cv's were interchangeable between all models Cayenne, Touareg and q7.

 

I believe the actual part number for the front axles was: 955-349-038-13 

 

The fronts both went out around 130K and the backs at 140K.

[ALEV8]

I'm at 126k.....still wouldn't you rather have new parts?

[Pkscheldt]

I'm at 126k.....still wouldn't you rather have new parts?

 

IMHO only if they're genuine. For CV's remans are absolutely fine. Because of the sheer number on the road of the VW brother to the Cayenne there are a lot of poorly made non OEM parts out there in the market that have been sourced out of china to meet the need. Most are cheap for a reason.

[ALEV8]

Well today, literally an hour ago BOTH of my fronts went kaboom.....turn either way and its horrifying......embarrassingly loud and crunchy......Who has the best quality reman vs OE Porsche parts at ECS Tuning @ $185x2?